Rising K-pop group AHOF is set to welcome 2026 on one of the Philippines’ largest stages, headlining the country’s biggest year end celebration just five months after their debut.
On December 31, AHOF will perform as a headlining act at ‘Kapuso Countdown to 2026,’ held along the seaside boulevard of SM Mall of Asia in Manila. The event is widely recognized as the Philippines’ most prominent New Year’s Eve countdown show, drawing massive on-site and online audiences each year.
One of the Philippines’ Biggest Year-End Events
‘Kapuso Countdown to 2026’ is a national-scale celebration, typically attracting over 250,000 live attendees, with online livestream viewership reaching approximately 650,000 users. AHOF joins a lineup featuring some of the Philippines’ most popular stars, including Julie Anne San Jose, Christian Bautista, Rayver Cruz, and Kaila Estrada, highlighting the group’s growing influence in the Southeast Asian market.
AHOF’s participation as a headliner is particularly notable given their relatively short time since debut, signaling strong local recognition and demand.
From Rookie Group to Major Stage in Five Months
The group’s appearance at the countdown event marks a significant milestone. Since debuting earlier this year, AHOF has steadily expanded their presence overseas, with the Philippines emerging as one of their strongest international markets.
In August, AHOF held their fan concert ‘Rendezvous in Manila’ at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where all seats sold out, further confirming their popularity among Filipino fans.
Growing Local Influence and Brand Presence
Member JL has also gained attention in the Philippines through individual activities, serving as a promotional ambassador and model for multiple brands. These include campaigns such as ‘I Like It. Korea Milk,’ hosted by the Korea Dairy & Beef Farmers Association, as well as K-beauty salon brand Purique, reinforcing AHOF’s visibility beyond music.
Industry observers point to AHOF’s strong fan engagement, live performance appeal, and expanding brand collaborations as key factors behind their rapid rise.
What’s Next for AHOF
Following their Philippine appearance, AHOF will return to Korea to meet fans at their first domestic fan concert, ‘AHOFORHA: All Time Heartfelt Only For HA,’ scheduled for January 3–4 at Jangchung Arena in Seoul.
As AHOF closes out 2025 on a major international stage, their headlining slot at a national New Year’s countdown underscores their accelerating global momentum and positions them as one of the most closely watched rookie groups entering 2026.
This 2026, AHOF will be BIG and AHOF’s Year!!! 🫶